Your floors are the surface your family and friends will walk, work, play, and live on for years. Choosing the right flooring requires balancing your personal taste with practicality. Our guide will walk you through picking the best flooring option for every room in your house.
Understanding Different Flooring Materials
When picking flooring for your home, start by researching materials. Each type of flooring has pros and cons, making them work better for different rooms or lifestyles. Let’s explore some of the most popular flooring options.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood floors add natural beauty and warmth to a room. They’re a timeless choice that can increase your home’s value, and they’re available in various wood species, colors, and finishes. They’re also durable and can be refinished multiple times, extending their lifespan.
On the downside, hardwood is sensitive to moisture and can be prone to scratches. It’s best for living areas, dining rooms, and bedrooms. When installing hardwood in kitchens, apply a protective polyurethane finish to protect against moisture.
Why Hardwood Endures: Unlike many other materials in a house, a wood floor almost never wears out—in fact, it looks better as it acquires the patina of age. As TOH contributor Scott Gibson wrote, “Hundreds of years and thousands of footsteps add character.” That enduring appeal is why every realtor knows that a hardwood floor is what often clinches a deal. When shopping for durability, check the Janka hardness rating, which measures the pounds of force per square inch needed to embed a steel ball in the wood’s surface. The higher the number, the harder the wood and the more resistant it is to dents and scratches from everyday traffic and pet nails.
Design Tip: Gideon Gelbar, an interiors specialist for architect Dennis Wedlick, offers a counterintuitive insight on wood tone selection: Lighter woods, such as oak, ash, maple, or hickory, “tend to make a room look smaller,” he says. “And very dark floors against light walls tend to make a room feel airier and bigger.” Species like Brazilian cherry, Santos mahogany, and black walnut deliver that dark look naturally, without the need for stains.
Solid vs. Engineered: One important distinction to keep in mind: solid hardwood cannot be installed below grade level, such as in basements, where moisture gathers and wreaks havoc on the boards. Engineered hardwood, however, uses veneer layers that crisscross like plywood, reducing the wood’s natural tendency to expand and contract in humid areas. Its thinner profile also helps where headroom is at a premium. As TOH TV demonstrated in a Winchester, Mass., kitchen remodel, engineered flooring can go anywhere you’d put solid wood—and some places you couldn’t.
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
Tile is an excellent choice for areas exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. It’s durable, easy to clean, and resistant to stains and water damage. Ceramic and porcelain tiles come in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes, allowing for a lot of customization.
While tiles are long-lasting, they can be cold and hard to walk on. Consider using textured tiles in bathrooms to prevent slipping after bathing. Remember that tiles may crack if installed over unstable flooring, so make certain the subfloor is suitable.
Pro Tip: Christie Stottlemyre, tile specialist featured on This Old House, explains why tile is a top choice for high-traffic zones: “When you’ve got a transition from outdoors to indoors, tile is a perfect surface to use. When you’ve got muddy, dirty feet coming in, there’s just nothing that’s easier to clean and take care of than tile.”
Know Your Ratings: Not all tiles are created equal when it comes to durability. According to This Old House Magazine, the A.S.T.M. sets minimum break-strength standards at 90 pounds per square inch for wall tiles and 250 pounds for floor tiles. Porcelain tiles, made with finely ground clay baked at high temperatures, are especially tough. When shopping for floor tile, look for glazes that rank 7 on the hardness scale — the same as quartz — to resist scratching from grit and sand tracked in from outdoors.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) is a popular choice for its durability, water resistance, and affordability. It can mimic the look of hardwood, stone, or tile while offering easier maintenance. LVF is ideal for high-traffic areas, basements, and moisture-prone rooms.
This flooring is softer underfoot than tile and more resistant to scratches and dents than hardwood. However, it may add less value to your home than natural materials.
As TOH contributor Sal Vaglica writes, luxury vinyl is “the fastest-growing category in flooring, and with good reason: It looks good, goes down quickly, is easy to care for, feels comfortable underfoot, and lasts a long time.” While the term first appeared in the 1990s to distinguish higher-end vinyl from basic peel-and-stick tiles, manufacturers have since made huge strides — particularly in replicating the look of wood with high-definition photo-printed imagery and edges milled with micro-bevels that mimic those found on prefinished hardwood. Some stone-look tiles can even be finished with grout for an incredibly convincing result.
Carpet and Area Rugs
Carpet provides warmth, comfort, and sound insulation, making it a cozy choice for bedrooms and living areas. It’s also popular for those with small children and young crawlers. It comes in various styles, textures, and colors. Area rugs offer similar benefits but are flexible and allow you to easily change your room’s look.
Carpet is comfortable, but it can be challenging to clean and may not be suitable for those who suffer from allergies. It’s also less durable than hard flooring options and may need replacement more often.
See our guide on types of flooring for a deeper dive into your options.
Pile Style Matters: Not all carpet is created equal — how the yarns are constructed determines both look and durability. Cut pile, where loop tips are trimmed, creates a soft, cushiony surface best for lower-traffic rooms (though Saxony and velvet styles show footprints and vacuum marks). Loop pile, often called Berber, wears better in busy spaces like family rooms and hallways, but pet claws may snag in the tight fibers. Cut-and-loop combines both for a carved, tone-on-tone look that’s durable and camouflages stains.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Flooring
Finding the right flooring involves more than just appearance. Consider these factors when searching to make sure your floors meet your needs and lifestyle.
Room Function and Traffic
Consider how you and your family use each room. High-traffic areas such as entryways, hallways, and living rooms benefit from more durable materials such as hardwood or tile. Bedrooms, where comfort is key, are better suited for carpet or area rugs.
Moisture Exposure
Rooms exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens, need water-resistant flooring. Tile, luxury vinyl, and properly sealed hardwood are good options for these spaces. Avoid carpeting these areas.
Maintenance Requirements
Think about how much time and effort you want to dedicate to floor maintenance. Hardwood floors require regular cleaning and occasional refinishing, while tile and luxury vinyl are generally easier to maintain. Carpet needs frequent vacuuming and periodic deep cleaning, especially if you have pets.
Pro Tip: Pat Hunt, a flooring contractor who has worked on a number of This Old House projects, compares periodic floor screenings to preventive dental care: “It’s like getting your teeth cleaned regularly, rather than waiting for a root canal.” He also warns that tracked-in grit is a floor’s worst enemy: “When you walk into the house from outdoors, particularly in the winter, the bottoms of your shoes are like sandpaper.” His advice? Put down nonslip mats at every entry point.
Budget Constraints
While some options, such as hardwood, may cost more upfront, they can add value to your home. When deciding, consider both the initial installation cost and long-term maintenance expenses. Check out our flooring installation cost guide for more information.
Flooring Options by Room
The rooms in your home have different flooring needs. Let’s explore suitable options for key areas of your house.
Kitchen
Kitchens need flooring that can handle spills, dropped utensils, and frequent cleaning. Ceramic or porcelain tile is a common choice for because it’s durable and easy to maintain. Luxury vinyl flooring offers a softer surface that’s still water-resistant and easy to clean.
Hardwood can work well in kitchens if properly sealed. It adds warmth and can create a cohesive look throughout the main living areas. However, be prepared for more upkeep to protect it from moisture and scratches.
Pro Tip: Designer Dana Jones advises that bamboo is also worth considering for kitchen floors: “Bamboo is a good sustainable product for a kitchen floor, but to ensure hardness, stability, and clarity, you have to be careful to choose bamboo that has been harvested at maturity, after five or six years of growth. Immature bamboo will not stand up as well to the demands of a kitchen.” She recommends manufacturers that offer prefinished colors sealed for durability.
Bathroom
Bathroom floors need to be highly resistant to moisture. Ceramic or porcelain tile is the top choice for its water resistance and durability, but for a warmer feel, consider luxury vinyl flooring or natural stone tiles such as limestone or marble.
Prioritize slip resistance to ensure safety. Textured tiles or those with a matte finish offer better traction when wet.
Pro Tip: No floor is slip-proof, but you can get close. Small tiles—about 1½ or 2 inches in diameter—are naturally skid-resistant because they have lots of grout lines, which add traction. For even better grip, shop for matte-finish tile that feels sandy or textured, like unglazed quarry tile or a naturally rough or honed stone. If you prefer larger-format tile, look for the “dynamic coefficient of friction” (DCOF) rating—a DCOF of 0.42 or higher when wet indicates good slip resistance.
Living Room and Bedroom
Living rooms and bedrooms have more flexible flooring choices. Hardwood is a popular, classic option that complements various decor styles. Carpet provides comfort, especially in bedrooms where you often walk barefoot.
Area rugs can be used over hardwood or tile to add warmth and define spaces within larger rooms. This combo offers the best of both worlds—the durability of hard flooring with the comfort of soft surfaces where needed.
The Rule of Three in Flooring Design
The Rule of Three design principle can help create a cohesive and beautiful flooring scheme throughout your home. This rule suggests balancing color, texture, and pattern to tie your home’s design together.
Balancing Color
When picking flooring, consider how the color will interact with your walls, furniture, and decor. Aim for a balance of light and dark tones. For example, a lighter floor can brighten the space if you have dark walls. Conversely, darker floors can add depth to rooms with light-colored walls.
Coordinating Texture
Combine smooth surfaces, such as polished hardwood, with rougher textures, such as a plush area rug. This contrast creates depth and prevents your flooring from looking flat or dull.
Harmonizing Pattern
If you choose patterned flooring, make sure it complements and does not compete with other patterns in the room. For instance, if you have bold wallpaper, opt for a more subtle floor pattern. Alternatively, a patterned floor can be balanced with simpler decor elements.
Floor Installation Methods and Considerations
Proper installation is important for your flooring’s longevity and performance. Think about these factors when planning your flooring project.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
While some flooring types, such as luxury vinyl planks or laminate, can be DIY-friendly, others, such as hardwood or tile, require professional installation. Consider your skill level and the complexity of the job. Professional installation may cost more upfront, but it can save money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes. Explore our flooring how-to guides for help completing DIY projects.
Subfloor Preparation
Make sure your subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Address any structural issues or unevenness before laying new flooring. This preparation is particularly important for tile installation to prevent cracking and breaking.
Acclimation and Expansion Gaps
Many flooring materials, especially hardwood and laminate, need to acclimate to your home’s environment before installation. This helps prevent warping or gaps. Additionally, leave gaps around the room’s perimeter to allow for natural expansion and contraction of the flooring material.
Enhancing Your Home’s Value With Flooring
Your flooring choice can impact your home’s value, so consider both your immediate needs and wants and your long-term investment.
ROI of Different Flooring Types
Hardwood flooring typically offers the highest return on investment, recouping up to 106% of your investment, according to Angi. Quality tile and luxury vinyl can add value, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. While carpet is comfortable, it generally doesn’t increase home value as much as hard flooring options.
Timeless vs. Trendy Choices
When considering resale value, opt for timeless flooring choices that appeal to different types of buyers. Classic hardwood, neutral-toned tiles, and high-quality vinyl planks are good choices. While trendy options may be appealing now, they may seem old-fashioned and turn off potential future buyers.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Flooring Options
There are several sustainable flooring options available for or environmentally conscious homeowners.
Bamboo and Cork Flooring
Bamboo and cork are rapidly renewable, sustainable resources. Bamboo offers hardwood-like durability and appearance, while cork provides a naturally antimicrobial soft surface. Both options can add character to your home.
Reclaimed Wood Options
Reclaimed wood flooring reuses timber from old buildings, giving it new life in your home. This option reduces demand for new lumber and brings rich history and character to your floors. Each piece of reclaimed wood tells a story.
Low-VOC Flooring Materials
Many flooring options now have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, improving indoor air quality. Look for flooring and adhesives certified as low-VOC to minimize off-gassing and create a healthier home environment. Many manufacturers offer eco-friendly versions of traditional flooring materials as well.
Our Conclusion
Trends come and go, but quality flooring is a long-term investment in your home. Whether you opt for the timeless appeal of hardwood, the durability of tile, or the comfort of carpet, make sure your choice aligns with your lifestyle and improves your home’s overall design.
